BESSANT
Bessant
Bessant is an English surname of Norman origins. Derived from the Old French word "besant," which referred to a Byzantine gold coin, the surname Bessant likely denoted someone who dealt in precious metals or who worked with coins.
Origins and History
The surname Bessant dates back to the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066 when William the Conqueror invaded England from Normandy. It is believed that the first recorded instances of the name were in the southeastern counties of England, particularly in Kent and Sussex.
Distribution
Today, the surname Bessant is relatively rare, with most bearers of the name located in the United Kingdom, particularly in the southern counties. The name may also be found in former British colonies and territories, such as Australia and Canada, due to historical migration patterns.
Notable Individuals
- Stephen Bessant – A renowned British archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of Roman settlements in England.
- Lucy Bessant – A successful British author known for her works of historical fiction set in medieval England.
- Thomas Henry Bessant – A prominent British architect known for his distinctive designs of public buildings in the late Victorian era.
The surname Bessant, with its rich history and association with ancient monetary systems, continues to be an intriguing facet of British family names.
There are approximately 1,306 people named Bessant in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,994th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Bessant.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Chris
- Christopher
- Conrad
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Shaun
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.